Iran seeks to restore Anzali-Baku marine passenger voyages

By Sara Rajabova

Iran can restore marine passenger voyages between its Anzali port and Baku over the coming six months.

Reza Masroor, Director of free economic zone "Anzali" said the issue of restoring passenger voyages between ports of Baku and Anzali is discussed with the Azerbaijani side.

Masroor, who is on visit to Azerbaijan, told Trend on February 24 that the Azerbaijani side has a positive attitude towards the restoration of these voyages.

Masroor stressed that the restoration of passenger voyages between ports of Anzali and Baku will promote tourism between the two countries.

Implementation of passenger voyages between ports of Baku and Anzali was terminated in 1998, according to him.

Masroor also added that at present only 10 per cent of the port capacity of Anzali falls on Azerbaijan.

He informed that about 10 Azerbaijani companies work in the Anzali free economic zone.

Anzali free economic zone is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.

Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.